Unda Movie Review: Mammootty’s Cop Drama Gets a Thumbs Up From the Critics
Khalid Rahman, who has directed Unda, had earlier given as the affable romantic family drama, Anuraga Karikkin Vellam.
Mammootty's recent films may be doing decently at the box office, but they were hardly clicking with the critics. Most of his past few films were slammed for its wafer-thin plots and their tendency to cash in their lead actor's superstar persona. That perception gets a major shakedown with Mammootty's latest film, Unda. Directed by Khalid Rahman, the movie has got some really good reviews from the critics of major publications. Unda Trailer: Can the Maoists Withstand the Superstar Charm of Mammootty? Watch Video.
Khalid Rahman had earlier given as the affable romantic family drama, Anuraga Karikkin Vellam. For Unda, he goes into the Maist-infested territories of Chattisgarh and depicts how police forces are shown being sent to tackle the Naxals without any proper ammunition. Apart from Mammootty, Unda also stars Ranjith, Kalabhavan Shajon, Dileesh Pothan, Shine Tom Chacko, Arjun Ashokan and Jacob Gregory.
Here's what major publications are saying about the movie:
Times of India says, "Unda makes a meek socio-political statement, in that it doesn't exactly follow it through. And it is more of a story than a political statement and hence one may argue about its political correctness. However, that doesn't take away the fact that Unda is an unbridled entertainer with a heart that makes you root for the Kerala Police."
Filmibeat says, "Unda would easily rank as must-watch movies in recent times. It is genuine, realistic, and hard-hitting at the same time."
Indian Express says, "Unda is a bold and daring act of expression that draws parallels between the violence perpetrated by gun-wielding Maoists and power-wielding corrupt politicians. The film doesn’t offer easy solutions to the human and moral crisis that unfolds on screen. It simply mirrors the life-altering problems stemming from the amoral power structure."
The News Minute says, "There are no stunts in the air, no long lines preaching a policeman’s duty. And when there is an attack, Mammootty does not brave every bullet and walk upfront like a superhero, he sits down weakened. In that sense, Unda, directed by Khalid Rahman, keeps the actor who's used to doing too many superhero roles in the past, rooted. And that is a much welcome relief."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2019 05:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).